Des Moines Superintendent Resigns Amid ICE Arrest, Hiring Scrutiny

Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS), officially known as the Des Moines Independent Community School District, is Iowa's largest public school district, serving nearly 31,000 students across 9 preschools, 39 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, and 7 high schools with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1[5][7]. Established in 1907 through the consolidation of several smaller districts, DMPS has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century, with roots in early high schools such as East High (established 1861) and West High (opened 1864)[1][4]. The district has continuously evolved to meet educational demands, introducing specialized programs since the early 20th century, including vocational education and gifted programs[3]. A pioneering leader in academic innovation, DMPS became the first district in Iowa to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme in 2008, alongside a robust Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum[2]. The district emphasizes rigorous, meaningful learning through its GLEAM® instructional framework, which focuses on grade-level alignment, engagement, affirmation of student identities, and relevance to real-world issues to foster civic agency and critical thinking[5]. This approach is supported by strong leadership and ongoing professional development, enabling DMPS to provide equitable education and improve student outcomes despite urban challenges[5]. DMPS's current status reflects both achievements and challenges. Student enrollment has declined by about 2,500 between 2018 and 2024, and the district faced a cybersecurity attack in early 2023[2]. Additionally, recent leadership turmoil has occurred; Superintendent Ian Roberts was placed on paid administrative leave in 2025 following his detention by ICE amid deportation proceedings, prompting interim leadership changes[2][8]. Notable aspects of DMPS include its century-long commitment to educational excellence, early adoption of advanced academic programs, and ongoing efforts to adapt instruction to diverse student needs while navigating administrative

**Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)** is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, ICE was created in response to the 9/11 attacks to enhance national security and protect public safety. The agency's primary mission is to enforce federal laws related to customs, trade, and immigration, focusing on cross-border crime and illegal immigration[1][2][3]. **History and Structure:** ICE was formed by merging the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. It operates with over 20,000 staff across more than 400 global offices, with an annual budget of approximately $8 billion[3]. The agency is structured into several key directorates, including **Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)**, which handles immigrant detention and deportation, and **Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)**, which investigates transnational crimes[1][2]. **Key Functions and Achievements:** ICE is known for its immigration enforcement efforts, particularly in interior regions of the U.S. It conducts investigations into human trafficking, terrorism, and other transnational crimes. Despite controversy over policies like family separation and detention conditions, ICE has made significant strides in combating illegal activities and protecting national security[4][6]. **Current Status and Notable Aspects:** Today, ICE continues to face challenges and controversy, particularly regarding its enforcement practices and impact on immigrant communities. The agency's actions can have profound effects on local economies and social services, as fear of ICE may deter undocumented immigrants from accessing essential services[6]. Despite these challenges, ICE remains a crucial component of U.S. immigration policy, working to balance enforcement with humanitarian concerns.